Two Bajans off to play in England

published by ikhan on Wed, 05/22/2013 - 03:48

Barbados Nation article.

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS - Two of Barbados’ most promising cricketers, Justin Greaves and Craig St Hill, left the island on Monday for a stint in England, compliments the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA).

Greaves, 19, a fast-bowling all-rounder, who has represented West Indies at last year’s Under-19 World Cup and St Hill, a tall opening batsman, who was chosen as the Most Improved Youth cricketer last year after scoring 464 runs in five Elite matches at an average of 66.29, are the latest Barbadians to benefit from an arrangement with the Lancashire Cricket Board.

They will also play in the Lancashire Cricket League.

St Hill, 19, who will turn out for Wavertree, said he was looking forward to the attachment.

“It should be a learning experience, playing in a different environment, as you get to learn a lot about the different aspects of the game,” he told MIDWEEK SPORT in an interview.

Greaves said among his main goals would be to help Sefton Park regain promotion after being demoted last season.

“I will be looking to put my best foot forward and try to help my team in whatever way that I can.

“I feel really good about being granted the opportunity to go to England and play cricket, so I will be looking to perform my best and get some experience under my belt,” he added.

Winston Stafford, chairman of the scholarship and placement committee, said the initiative, now in its fourth year, was part of the BCA’s continuing efforts to provide young cricketers with opportunities to develop their skills.

“This can only be a success story for Barbados. These opportunities aren’t only about playing cricket for these youngsters, it is also about developing skills and leadership abilities,” Stafford said.

Greaves, who joined ICBL Empire after graduating from the Guardian General Barbados Youth, and ESAF Pickwick’s St Hill, are following in the footsteps of national senior players, Rashidi Boucher, Shamarh Brooks, Shane Dowrich and Miguel Cummins.

Fast bowlers Rachid O’Neale and Randall Hoyte, from the Barbados Defence Force’s sports programme, were also selected for similar attachments.

Last week, Barbados’ women’s captain and West Indies’ cricketer, Shakera Selman left for a stint at Surrey.